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Healthcare Technology Management Week

Biomeds Recognized for Outstanding Service

Time to Celebrate!

Each weekday during Healthcare
Technology Management Week,
which runs May 20–26, AAMI will hold a special event in honor of
the important work of healthcare
technology management (HTM)
professionals.

Highlights will include: complimentary
HTM resources sent to
the profession via e-mail; a free
webinar aimed at boosting the
profession; announcements of
winners of special HTM-related
AAMI awards; and a contest to
determine which facility best
celebrates Healthcare Technology
Management Week.

Some do it by embracing new challenges or displaying a professional courtesy with each and every task they perform.

Others do it by showing their dedication during disasters or getting creative in teaching young students about the healthcare technology management (HTM) profession.

There are many ways that professionals go above the call of duty. Healthcare Technology Management Week, which runs May 20–26, was created by AAMI’s Technology Management Council to honor biomeds and clinical engineers. Throughout the week, departments hold open houses and technicians visit students to tout the benefits and value of the profession. To mark the celebration, here are some tributes to professionals who are never afraid to go the extra mile.

Promoting the Field And Helping in Disasters

Travis Brown

Daniel Irving

Dennis Duck

I am proud to work with three biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) who inspire the next generation of BMETs and prepare our facility for natural disasters.

Travis Brown, BMET at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, TX, gives demonstrations to middle school students on Career Day.

One time, he connected sensors to himself, and showed the young students how video games could help rehabilitation patients recover from their injuries. The games were quite challenging. Travis didn’t always win, but he definitely impressed the students.

Future BMETs have been impressed by the teaching of Daniel Irving, manager of The Heart Hospital at Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano, TX. For several years, Daniel has volunteered to teach medical equipment maintenance and repair to Texas State Technical College, DeVry, and MediSend International students during the North Texas Biomedical Association Student Workshop. Daniel also gives presentations to the Texas State Technical College biomed club.

When a disaster strikes, Dennis Duck, senior BMET at the Plano, TX facility, goes beyond his normal responsibilities by volunteering as a HAM radio operator. One
time during training exercises, Dennis resolved an issue with an antenna that might have caused a lack of communication during a disaster. Dennis continues to ensure communication is always available to the hospital.

The Definition Of Integrity

Jay Masse

Jay Masse, group leader of our Biomedical Department at Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, FL, is one of the most dedicated technicians the hospital has ever known. His 20-plus years of experience and training allow him to lead by example. His peers look up to him, and he sets a very high standard for himself.

He is respected by the nursing staff and considered the go-to person for biomedical issues. Jay displays a professional attitude and appearance no matter what the situation may be, and he can always be counted on to do the right thing. If you knew Jay, when you read the definition of “integrity” you would think of him.

A Biomed Fantastic Four

Jamie Dubios

Joe Nelson

TC Bugbee

Henry Quinones

I have not just one, but four BMETs regarded as consummate professionals at University of Vermont Technical Services Partnership.

Jamie Dubios, BMET, recently facilitated the recalibration of the digital radiology system, working with the staff and vendor to optimize the photo timing for the unit. Jamie’s leadership was key in reducing the repeat testing rate from 18% to 3%, which decreased patient radiation exposure and increased staff productivity.

“We are very fortunate to have such a stellar person onsite,” said Marcy Rushford, director of imaging and cardiology.

Last year, BMET Joe Nelson was tasked with researching and developing a plan to launch a certification service for evaluating biosafety cabinets—which are enclosed, ventilated laboratory workspaces—on campus and at our regional healthcare institutions.
The feedback about current providers was less than stellar, and Technical Services Partnership felt we could create a higher quality product at a lower cost. Joe completed the necessary research and worked to develop the business case to support the launch of the new service. Subsequently, Joe attended seven manufacturers’ service schools on the product.

Since the program launched in December 2011, Joe’s attention to detail and commitment to customer service has led to 160 orders, with an overall savings to our customers of 20%. According to one customer, “Joe is quite conscientious and attentive to both the needs of the equipment and the needs of the various departments with which he works. The nursing managers and other department staff are very comfortable with him. In short, Joe is an extremely important asset for the hospital and for Technical Services Partnership.”

BMETs TC Bugbee and Henry Quinones serve on our Performance Excellence Teams focused on improving overall business for our customers. One recent task the pairundertook was competency training standardization for team members in their shop. Their focus was to ensure consistency in testing and documentation processes for both scheduled and unscheduled work. Each staff member was observed, and detailed improvement actions were outlined to assure process standards were followed.